MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 26: Gary Trent Jr. #5 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on from the bench during the second quarter against the Miami Heat in the Emirates NBA Cup at Kaseya Center on November 26, 2024 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images
If you think the Milwaukee Bucks are playing against the Los Angeles Clippers today (after getting walloped by them on Monday), you are mistaken.
Where We’re At
The Bucks have but one opponent, and it is the Chicago Bulls. It’s simple: finish below the Bulls and get rewarded with a modicum of higher probability at snagging a good pick come June. The Clippers are merely the next hurdle to crash into. With all due respect to my esteemed colleague Jack Trehearne, the Bucks most certainly are tanking: look no further than here. With that said, I want to maximize the runtime for the folks who (along with the draft pick) are the future of this team, with or without Giannis. Check out what that means below.
Hopefully the Clippers will again be a willing hurdle. They sit in the Western Play-In, and although unlikely to escape that purgatory, I’m sure they would rather be in the 7/8 game and ideally host it. Shoutout to Old Friend Brook Lopez reclaiming a starting spot in Zubac’s absence. And when is the hammer going to come down on Kawhi?
Injury Report
UPDATE: Deep breath… Thanasis (left calf soreness), Kyle Kuzma (right achilles tendonopathy), Ryan Rollins (left hip flexor soreness), and Myles Turner (right patella tendonopathy) are questionable, and Giannis (left knee hyperextension and bone bruise), Gary Harris (personal reasons), Kevin Porter Jr. (right knee synovitis), and Bobby Portis (left wrist sprain) are out.
For the Clippers, Isaiah Jackson is questionable with a right ankle sprain, while Bradley Beal (left hip fracture) and Yanic Konan Niederhauser (right lisfranc ligament tear) are out.
Player To Watch
Gary Trent Jr. obviously hasn’t spent much time at the rim in recent games, as he notched team-highs in points in two of the last three games. I’ll be watching to see if he continues to eat up minutes that could be spent on younger Bucks.
How To Watch
FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin at 2:30 p.m. CDT.
Mar 28, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants center fielder Harrison Bader (9) reacts next to New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells (28) after striking out in the ninth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
A crucial first step has been made for our 2026 San Francisco Giants. After barely even being able to stand up in the box over the first two games of the season, suddenly the offensive started to find their legs. They looked steady against right-hander Will Warren in the 1st. Back-to-back hits from Luis Arraez and Rafael Devers got them making consecutive strides out of the box, around the bases. Arraez actually reached the distant region of third base, a world a 2026 Giant had only dared venture to twice before. Home plate, that mythic El Dorado, was real, it was there, in their sights, tantalizingly close — but alas, the journey came up short again. While Heliot Ramos forced 10 pitches out of Warren, he ultimately went down swinging to end the inning with the runners stranded.
San Francisco’s historic run of scoreless frames would swell to 20 frames before a run was scored. Jung Hoo Lee, batting lead-off instead of Arraez, led off the 3rd with a double. Two pitches later, Matt Chapman rolled a fastball through the middle plating Lee. A straightforward combination of balls-in-play to produce a run. The Giants were on the board. Had it always been that simple? A somewhat sarcastic roar rose from the fans as Jung Hoo Lee bowed his head slightly as his foot touched the plate. Joe Davis, from the Fox broadcast booth: “Boy it’s time for a Gatorade bath, huh?” And as annoying as that is to hear coming from a Dodgers play-by-play announcer, he was absolutely right. That took way too long.
The irony was that while that first run scored, it still had the Giants coming up short. Down two thanks to a 2-out, double by Ben Rice off starter Tyler Mahle in the top of the frame meant San Francisco’s offensive “renaissance” was far from enough.
That point became painfully obvious as the inning and game progressed. The Giants had planted their first stride but that didn’t mean they could walk. One step forward was met by two steps back. When spirits were high after Chapman’s RBI, singles-whiz Arraez, with an opportunity to help build a rally, fanned on three pitches. Devers went down after four.
The Giants line-up actually out-hit the Yankees 9 to 7. A positive development considering they managed a historically skint four hits over the previous two games. But on Saturday, we saw better plate approaches, better at-bats. Forward progress was made, but its momentum couldn’t sustain itself over two or three batters before it all came crashing down.
Harrison Bader’s first hit as a Giant in the 4th was promptly erased by Patrick Bailey grounding into a double play to end the inning. In the 5th, down 3-1 now after Aaron Judge launched a solo homer off reliever Ryan Borucki, Jung Hoo Lee worked a one-out walk, followed promptly by Chapman being called out on strikes.
In the 6th, Devers led off the frame with a double. Against tough-right hander Jake Bird, Heliot Ramos fought off an inside fastball and rolled it through the 5.5 hole to set up runners at the corners with no outs. Two solid steps…then they started to toddle. They hesitated. They looked down, realized how far off the ground they were, and freaked out. With an opportunity to cut the lead in half with a fly out, even a double play ball, Adames threw his bat at a 1-2 sweeper half-a-foot off the plate. Two pitches later, Harrison Bader rolled into an inning-ending, rally-killing, vibe-strangling, double-play. The Giants had face-planted.
They’d do it again in the bottom of the 9th.
Six bullpen arms, orchestrated by Tony Vitello, held the powerful Yankee line-up in check. Their lead held at just two runs. Leading off the 9th against David Bednar, Heliot Ramos worked a 7-pitch walk, with a dramatic strike-3 call overturned that turned the plate-appearance in his favor.
Comebacks were in the air. The early spring mood, dramatic. Across the league, five games would eventually be decided in extra-innings on Saturday night, and four ended in walk-offs (including a grand slam for #forevergiant Dom Smith in Atlanta). After Ramos revived his at-bat and turned into a walk, the Giants had the tying run at the plate with nobody out. Out of nowhere, Adames straightened up and singled. Now the winning run was in the box. Two men on, nobody out. A ball in play most likely scored a run. The energy in the stadium ratcheted up…then Bader chased two ridiculously high fastballs to put him an 0-2 hole. There it was: the hesitation, the nerves, the “try-hard.” The legs started to shake. The knees doubted. That familiar wobble. Three pitches later, Bader was on his butt in the box, unable to put an elevated splitter in play. Two pitches after that, game over. Another double-play ball off the bat of Bailey sealed it: swept at home.
The run was nice. It’s an essential step, yes — just, you know, a little behind schedule coming three games into the season and clearly not enough to make up much ground. Come Monday in San Diego, leaps and bounds would be greatly appreciated.
It’s the rubber match of a three-game set between the Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies.
A pair of lefties make their 2026 debut for the win, as Philadelphia’s Jesus Luzardo is looking to pick up where he left off from his best season as a pro, while MacKenzie Gore will try to bounce back from his worst season in the bigs.
My Rangers vs Phillies predictions and MLB picks have Luzardo and the top of Philadelphia’s order leading the Phillies to a series win.
Rangers vs Phillies predictions
Rangers vs Phillies best bet: Phillies moneyline (-148)
Jesus Luzardo went 4-1 with a 5.11 ERA against the American League last season. He pitched against the Texas Rangers and threw six strong, giving up seven hits, one earned run, and striking out four in a 3-2 win.
Luzardo should be supported by Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber, who combined to go 0-for-10 in Saturday’s 5-4 loss. Turner is hitting a wicked .440 against Mackenzie Gore, with three doubles, a couple of walks, and two runs driven in.
Meanwhile, Schwarber has five hits and eight walks in 21 at-bats vs Gore.
COVERS INTEL:Mackenzie Gore made three starts against the Phillies last season, giving up 10 hits and five earned runs across 18 innings. All three games ended in losses.
Rangers vs Phillies same-game parlay (SGP)
Gore finished inside the Top 25 in strikeouts last season, but his 6.5-strikeout line might be just slightly off, as he threw 7+ strikeouts in just three of 17 starts to end 2025.
Brandon Nimmo is hitting .300 vs. Luzardo in 20 career at-bats, with four RBI, the most of any Ranger against Luzardo.
Rangers vs Phillies SGP
Phillies moneyline
Mackenzie Gore Under 6.5 strikeouts
Brandon Nimmo Over 0.5 RBI
Rangers vs Phillies home run pick: Kyle Schwarber (+240)
Kyle Schwarber has gone deep in each of his last four games against the Rangers, and he already has a home run against Gore in his career.
Rangers vs Phillies odds
Moneyline: Texas +125 | Philadelphia -150
Run line: Texas +1.5 (-165) | Philadelphia -1.5 (+140)
Over/Under: Over 8 | Under 8
Rangers vs Phillies trend
The Phillies have won 55 of their last 83 home games for +12.35 units and a 9% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Rangers vs. Phillies.
How to watch Rangers vs Phillies and game info
Location
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
Date
Sunday, March 29, 2026
First pitch
1:35 p.m. ET
TV
Rangers Sports Network, NBCS-Philadelphia
Rangers starting pitcher
MacKenzie Gore (2025: 5-15, 4.17 ERA)
Phillies starting pitcher
Jesus Luzardo (2025: 15-7, 3.92 ERA)
Rangers vs Phillies latest injuries
Rangers vs Phillies weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has had a great start to his 2026 campaign, and I expect him to continue to be productive this afternoon as the Toronto Blue Jays try to sweep the Athletics.
Find out why in my Blue Jays vs. Athletics predictions and MLB picks below.
A’s vs Blue Jays predictions
A’s vs Blue Jays best bet: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Over 0.5 walks (+110)
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ranked in the 89th percentile in walk rate last season among all qualified hitters in baseball.
He’s picked up right where he left off last season with walks in back-to-back games to start the season, totaling three in those two games.
I’m backing him to earn another free pass to first base this afternoon to go Over his 0.5 walks total, especially with A’s starter Luis Morales on the mound.
He struggled with command all spring long, walking 14 batters in his final five preseason appearances.
COVERS INTEL: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has recorded a walk in seven straight games dating back to Game 2 of the World Series.
I’ll continue to back Guerrero Jr.'s eye at the plate today by taking him to record a hit. He's riding a 14-game hitting streak and hopes to make it 15 in a row today.
For my second leg, I'll take George Springer to record an RBI. He’s a great fastball hitter, and Morales throws heat on more than 50% of his pitches. With the way the bottom of the lineup is hitting, it’s putting Springer in good RBI positions.
The Jays are also 7-3 in their last 10 games against the A’s. Given how much success they’ve had offensively in this series, and the erratic nature of Morales, I’m backing the Jays to pick up the win and complete the series sweep today.
A’s vs Blue Jays home run pick: George Springer (+305)
Morales is a fastball pitcher who was hit hard last season and throughout spring. He allowed eight homers in 10 appearances last season, and gave up three homers in his final three starts of spring.
Springer handles a fastball extremely well, sporting a 1.076 OPS against the pitch last season with a team-high 14 home runs. He hit them hard, too, with a .746 xSLG and a hard-hit rate of 55%.
2026 Transparency record
Best bets: 1-0, +1.2 units
SGPs: 0-1, -1.0 units
HR picks: 0-1, -1.0 units
A’s vs Blue Jays odds
Moneyline: A's +135 | Blue Jays -160
Run line: A's +1.5 (-150) | Blue Jays -1.5 (+125)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
A’s vs Blue Jays trend
The Over is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings between these clubs. Find more MLB betting trends for A’s vs. Blue Jays.
How to watch A’s vs Blue Jays and game info
Location
Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON
Date
Sunday, March 29, 2026
First pitch
1:37 p.m. ET
TV
NBCS-California, Sportsnet
A’s starting pitcher
Luis Morales (2025: 4-3, 3.14 ERA)
Blue Jays starting pitcher
Eric Lauer (2025: 9-2, 3.18 ERA)
A’s vs Blue Jays latest injuries
A’s vs Blue Jays weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
After being able to derail run-and-gun teams like Saint Louis and Alabama in the second round and Sweet 16, No. 1 seed Michigan will have a different challenge on its hands with No. 6 Tennessee in Sunday's Elite Eight.
"We understand that especially at this point of the season, any team is a challenge," Michigan's Nimari Burnett said. "We're also ready to take the challenge to them as well. We look forward to a really good, physical game but also playing our style of play on both end of the floor."
For Tennessee, this a third straight trip to the Elite Eight... but a chance to reach the program's first Final Four.
"For me, it's definitely an added motivation. I'm hungry for it," Vols guard Bishop Boswell said. "Last year, I was here and we were able to get to the Elite Eight thanks to the senior guys. We weren't able to get it done. To see their faces, it hurt absolutely last year, watching the ceremony and everything of that nature and just seeing we weren't able to get to that point."
Here's what you need to know for today's Elite Eight matchup, including predictions and how to watch:
College basketball fans and the media love to debate which conference in college basketball is the best. The discussion in 2026 has surrounded the SEC and the Big Ten. Here's what Tennessee and Michigan players feel about the debate, ahead of the Sweet 16 in Chicago.
What time is Michigan vs Tennessee in Elite 8?
Time: 2:15 p.m. ET, Sunday, March 29.
What channel is Michigan vs Tennessee? How to watch, streaming info
The game is airing on CBS, streaming via Paramount+.
Michigan has played every style this season and rarely had a problem. Yaxel Lendeborg comes off a historic game and has made 10 of 18 3's in United Center in U-M's four games in Chicago the past two weeks. With Trey McKenney and Gayle providing consistent scoring off the bench, Mara and Johnson as a deep front line and Cadeau pacing the offense, U-M may take a moment to figure out Tennessee's defense that walls off at the rim, but should eventually be able to drive and kick its way to victory.
∎ Shawn Windsor, Detroit Free Press: Michigan 75, Tennessee 67
The Wolverines just beat the SEC’s best offensive team and now they face the SEC’s best defensive team. As U-M has shown all season, few teams adapt as well as it does. The Wolverines will again.
Tennessee's path to victory remains constant: win big on the offensive glass, limit mistakes down the stretch and turn to either point guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie or Ament for big buckets in crunch time. The Vols have had considerable frontcourt advantages in their first three NCAA Tournament games, but Michigan narrows that gap. There's an even fewer margin for error against Michigan, one that Iowa State couldn't exploit without injured Joshua Jefferson.
The Wolverines are the most complete team Tennessee has faced thus far, and at risk of getting egg on our face (again), Michigan should advance to the Final Four.
Jeff Seidel: Michigan 79, Tennessee 70
Carlos Monarrez: Michigan 92, Tennessee 78
John Leuzzi: Michigan
Jordan Mendoza: Michigan
Ehsan Kassim: Michigan
Austin Curtright: Michigan
Moneyline: Michigan (-350); Tennessee (+275)
Spread: Michigan (-7.5)
Over/under total: 146.5
Michigan will reach Final Four if...
John Leuzzi: Slow down Tennessee's offense, and break through Tennessee's front court.
Jordan Mendoza: It controls the tempo.
Ehsan Kassim: It can limit Tennessee's offensive rebounding.
Austin Curtright: It takes advantage of its size advantage. Yaxel Lendeborg and Aday Mara make up perhaps the best frontcourt in college basketball, and they've been wildly efficient under the basket this season.
Tennessee will advance to Final Four if...
John Leuzzi: It can stop Yaxel Lendeborg, and win on the offensive glass.
Jordan Mendoza: Wins the battle of the bigs.
Ehsan Kassim: It finds a way to neutralize Yaxel Lendeborg.
Austin Curtright: Limits turnovers. While Tennessee upset Iowa State in the Sweet 16, it surrendered 16 turnovers against the pesky Cyclones defense. It won't get any easier to score against Michigan, either.
How old is Yaxel Lendeborg?
Yaxel Lendeborg is 23 years old. Lendeborg played three seasons at Arizona Western Community College before heading to UAB where he played two seasons. This is his first year at Michigan.
Is Elliot Cadeau deaf? Michigan PG overcame hearing, vision issues
Elliot Cadeau is half-deaf in one ear, dealt with blurred vision in one eye. That hasn't stopped Michigan point guard from turning in his best season.
Nate Ament injury update: How much will Vols star play vs Michigan?
The All-SEC freshman is still dealing with soreness. He played 29 minutes in the Vols' second round win over Virginia, scoring 16 points and 25 minutes in Tennessee's Sweet 16 win over Iowa State, scoring 18 points.
"There's no chance I'd sit out a March Madness game," he said prior to the UVA game. "It's about what can we do to get back to 100%, or as close to it as we can."
Tennessee coach Rick Barnes called the injury a "problem," and Ament won't be fully healthy until he gets time off at the end of the season.
"We need Nate. He knows it, but he will give us everything that he can, and that's really all I can say about it. If it's up to him, he would play every minute if he could," Barnes said.
Barnes is 38-25 in his career in the NCAA Tournament and led Texas to the 2003 Final Four.
Nate Ament 2026 NBA Draft, mock draft prediction
No. 11 overall to Portland Trail Blazers.
Kalbrosky's Analysis:
After a relatively slow and inefficient start to the season, Tennessee freshman Nate Ament is starting to realize some of his lofty expectations. The freshman averaged 21.6 points per game while shooting 38.9 percent on 3-pointers during a 13-game stretch before an injury against Alabama on Feb. 28. The All-SEC forward then had 27 points (4-of-6 on 3-pointers) with eight rebounds, four assists, three blocks and a steal against Auburn on March 12. It will only take one team to fall in love with Ament and given so much of what he brings to the table cannot be taught, that team is probably picking fairly early in the lottery.
Mar 28, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Chase DeLauter (24) celegbrates with centerfielder Steven Kwan (38) after hitting a two-run home run during the tenth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images | Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
I think we can officially call Chase DeLauter a phenom at this point.
Be sure to read Zach’s recap of last night’s exciting win. Seattle is a very good team. To secure a split and have a shot at winning a series in their home ballpark is pretty impressive.
Also, impressive, of course, is Chase DeLauter having a horrible game and still managing to get to 97 mph up and away for a home run. It’s remarkable how much an actual hitter being in the 2-hole changes this team.
I do hope last night was enough incentive for Vogt to tell batters to only challenge calls when given a signal to do so from the dugout. And to make sure that signal is only given on 2-2 or 3-2 counts. It’s just not worth it, otherwise. Batters are too emotional as are pitchers. Catchers are the only ones to be given carte de blanche to challenge as they see fit.
Tanner Bibee threw a bullpen yesterday and said he felt great. As long as he feels good today, it may be possible that first game exit was just a scare and he can make his next start. Let’s hope so.
Hunter Gaddis’s velo was down a bit, but he had a scoreless inning for Columbus yesterday in rehab.
AROUNDMLB:
The Twins won, but the Tigers, Royals and White Sox all lost.
Mar 28, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) in the dugout before a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Saturday was quite an unforgettable birthday for Will Smith.
Not only did his two daughters throw out the first pitch and not only was Saturday Smith’s bobblehead commemorating his go-ahead home run from Game 7 last year, but he also drilled a go-ahead two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to mark three consecutive come-from-behind victories and seal a series sweep for the Dodgers over the Arizona Diamondbacks. That might not have happened at all, as Dave Roberts noted during his post-game media presser that he initially had Smith out of the starting lineup.
“Actually I didn’t have him in there tonight, and he really wanted to be in there tonight on his bobblehead night. He said he felt good, and so that proved to be the right decision.”
Smith spoke with Kirsten Watson of SportsNet LA following the ending of Saturday’s contest, noting how this Dodgers team never truly feels out of the game even when down in late innings, and there is always someone in the lineup to hand the baton to when needing a clutch moment.
“There’s nothing better than playing in front of our home fans here at Dodger Stadium. Late in innings, we never feel like we’re out of the game. It always feels like someone is going to come up with a big hit. We keep applying pressure. Mookie got on right before me, and tonight it was me that got the big hit.”
Links
Entering Saturday, Freddie Freeman was the only starter over the first two games of the season who had not yet recorded a hit. That all changed on Saturday as Freeman connected for three hits, including an opposite field RBI double to put the Dodgers on the board in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Freeman’s lack of contribution over the first two games was a result of pure happenstance— including three deep fly ball outs on Friday— rather than a regression in his game, as he noted to Kirsten Watson of SportsNet LA following Saturday’s game he’s been swinging well at the plate since spring training.
“I had been feeling good all spring training and even the last couple of games, even though I had nothing to show for it. Definitely nice to get it off the barrel in the first [at-bat] and hit a flare up the middle. Obviously, once you get one, you can just kinda rest easy… There’s a lot of things that happened for me tonight that was very positive.”
Tyler Glasnow followed up Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Emmet Sheehan with six strikeouts in his first outing of the year on Saturday, tossing a quality start over six full innings but ultimately having his performance result in a no-decision.
Glasnow spoke with Kirsten Watson of SportsNet LA about getting back into a nice rhythm on the mound after getting scored on early, a running theme that persisted in the opening series for Dodgers starting pitchers.
ST. LOUIS — The Toronto Maple Leafs have had their upcoming game against the Anaheim Ducks marked on their calendar ever since the two teams first met this season on March 12. That’s when Anaheim Ducks captain Radko Gudas extended his knee into Auston Matthews, ending the Maple Leafs’ captain's season with a dangerous knee-on-knee hit.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports that Gudas wants to play against the Maple Leafs on Monday no matter what, but the final decision may not come down to him if the club’s medical staff doesn’t clear him. Gudas understands the scrutiny that comes with avoiding a game where he is sure to be a target of retribution by many Maple Leafs for the hit on Matthews.
The Leafs were criticized for their lack of immediate response to the hit at the time.
Headlines: Gudas/Toronto; McMann; Canada to finalize Worlds management team, then go over roster, which could include Gavin McKenna; possibility things will move fast between Porter Martone and Flyers; optimism between Flames and Jonathan Castagna.https://t.co/qNjGbrPRt6
With eight games to go, it’s evident that the Leafs look like a team that is just going through the motions, waiting for this season to be over. Any juice going into a game, like retribution against the Ducks, will at least help in making these games interesting for the Maple Leafs. Even if Gudas doesn’t play, there will probably be many fights in the game.
“You can't go out and do stupid things—suspensions and things like that," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube warned. "That's not what it's all about. But we definitely have to go out and play a physical, hard game against that team".
Welcome to this edition of the Vancouver Canucks post-game analytics report. This recurring deep dive breaks down the analytics behind each Canucks game as recorded by Natural Stat Trick. In this article, we look back on Vancouver’s most recent 7-3 loss to the Calgary Flames.
Despite the lopsided score, the Canucks actually won the analytics battle in this game. Vancouver held a 23-22 even-strength scoring chances advantage while also winning the even-strength high-danger scoring chances battle by a count of 13-9. In the end, though, the Flames capitalized on their opportunities, which is why Calgary skated away with the victory.
As for the heatmap, Vancouver's focus was to get pucks on net from wherever they could. As for the Flames, they focused on creating issues in front of the net, which allowed them to get to lose pucks in the Canucks defensive zone. Overall, it was not a strong defensive performance by Vancouver's skaters, and it was a tough night for Nikita Tolopilo and Kevin Lankinen.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Calgary Flames, March 28, 2026, Natural Stat Trick.
To wrap this game up, the trio of Liam Öhgren, Elias Pettersson and Linus Karlsson were the Canucks best line. During their 13:06 of ice time, Vancouver held an 8-4 shot advantage and won the high-danger scoring chances battle 5-2. Ultimately, this is a trio that deserves some time together as they showed some chemistry in this game.
The Canucks continue their road trip on Monday with a matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights. At the time of writing, it is expected that Monday will be Evander Kane's 1000th regular-season game. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 pm PT.
Mar 28, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf (32) makes a save against the Vancouver Canucks during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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Suns guard Jalen Green (4) celebrates a three pointer against the Jazz during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on March 28, 2026. | Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Sometimes you need a slump buster, and there is no shame in that. The Phoenix Suns came in 1–6 over their last seven, searching for something to steady them, and the Utah Jazz provided that opportunity. Utah is deep in tank mode, and on Saturday night in downtown Phoenix, it showed early and often as the Suns easily dispatched them, 134-109.
Watching from the stands, the first thing that jumped out was the defensive intensity from Phoenix. There was purpose to it, a level of connection that made everything look clean. When one team is moving in sync and the other is not, it becomes obvious quickly. The Suns were rotating, communicating, and turning defense into offense. The Jazz were stuck in isolation, one pass, one move, one shot, the kind of possessions that stall before they ever really start.
It felt familiar in a different way. Watching so much college basketball this time of year, you see those same empty possessions from teams that are not connected, where everything leans on one player and the result is rushed and inefficient. That is where Utah is right now, limping toward the finish line, eyes on the lottery. Phoenix is in a different space, trying to build rhythm, trying to sharpen habits, trying to turn effort into execution.
One moment in the third quarter stuck with me. Jordan Ott pulled Rasheer Fleming aside after a substitution and spent two possessions talking him through a previous sequence. Teaching, correcting, reinforcing. It was not loud, it was not dramatic, but it mattered. Those are the moments that define a season like this one. A transition year is built on those exchanges, on the small adjustments that turn into growth over time.
There is still plenty to appreciate in the present. Wins like this serve a purpose. They restore a little confidence, they remind you what it looks like when things click. At the same time, it is hard not to glance ahead, to think about what this team could become as these lessons stack. It is a small takeaway from a comfortable win, but it is one that lingers.
Bright Side Baller Season Standings
He wasn’t the highest scorer against the Nuggets, but having Royce O’Neale back and seeing him hit 5-of-8 from deep got into your feels. He joins Jordan Goodwin and Jalen Green with 4 Bright Side Baller’s on the year.
For the second time in as many days, Syracuse scored three runs, but this time, they surrendered five and suffered their first loss of the 2026 campaign. Joander Suarez gave up the first couple of those runs in his first start of the year, and Jonathan Pintaro and Alex Carrillo—both of whom made appearances for the big league Mets last year—gave up two runs and one run, respectively, to swing the game in Worcester’s favor.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 27: A detailed view of the MLB debut jersey patch worn TJ Rumfield #7 of the Colorado Rockies in the first inning against the Miami Marlins by at loanDepot park on March 27, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Rockies played their last two spring training games and their first two regular season games this week. So far in the regular season, they’re 0-2 but there have been some moments of brightness. TJ Rumfield made his MLB debut, knocked his first MLB hit and launched his first MLB home run in his first two games. Ezequiel Tovar hit his first home run in 2025, and there were some excellent defensive plays made throughout the games. The baserunning game, though, still needs some work.
Additionally, on the farm, Charlie Condon hit two home runs (likely revenge homers for starting the year in Triple-A). Maybe we’ll see him sooner than we thought…
That all said, here’s what our staff had to write about during this busy week!
I admit that I have my PCA jersey on. We had Chicago dogs for lunch and I have one Old Style left from a trip to Rocco’s a bit ago. Much more noise has been made about his deal than Nico Hoerner’s, as Pete has been anointed the new ‘face’. I suspect PCA is equal to the task. He seems to welcome the challenge and I look forward to when the young faces take over. George Gervin is right but the example of White Castle comes to mind.
Popular culture has claimed that name, as the boys from Wichita didn’t. Caleb Williams would have to go some to match Gervin’s accomplishments but the matter is for trademark attorneys to work out now. I would think some kind of settlement could be reached. Because Luther Burden III was also right.
Williams and PCA will not be denied. /narrative
Anyway, Pete had a good game, going 2 for 3, with 2 stolen bases, a walk, and a little glovework. Nico did well, as well, going 1 for 2 with a pair of walks, an RBI double, and a stolen base. Miguel Amaya clobbered a solo homer and an RBI single. Ian Happ unloaded for three. The Cubs had seven two-out RBI.
Cade Horton was Cade Horton. He threw strike after strike, with ground balls aplenty. Caleb Thielbar was just fine. Cubs win, 10-2. Rubber game today. Shota Imanaga and James Irvin on the hill.
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Kyle Williams (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): Cubs’ Matt Shaw won’t have long runway in right field. “Before the game, I said this is not the ideal day to make your debut in right field with how the weather was today, but [Shaw] did a nice job,” manager Craig Counsell said.
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MARCH 25: A general view of fans in the stands with Opening Day bunting during the game between the New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Good morning, baseball fans!
Now that we’re getting back into the swing of the regular season, it’s time to find out what everyone’s favorite highlights of the week were!
I am, once again, at a distinct disadvantage because as of the time this is being written there has only been one game played this week, in which they lost 7-0 so the pickings are slim. And I already picked Aaron Judge’s golden sombrero for yesterday’s BP.
So I’m going to have to let you all do the heavy lifting this week. What were your favorite highlights of the week this week? Or if things have not improved since Wednesday’s loss, feel free to share the low-lights too!
Saturday could not have gone better for the New York Islanders amid their playoff push.
After knocking off the Florida Panthers 5-2, scoring five unanswered goals in the second period, the Islanders moved into second place in the Metropolitan Division with 89 points.
However, waking up in second would depend on the out-of-town scoreboard.
And, for the first time in quite a while, the results went the Islanders' way:
The Pittsburgh Penguins (88 points) fell 6-3 to the Dallas Stars.
The Columbus Blue Jackets (87 points) lost 3-2 to the San Jose Sharks.
The Detroit Red Wings (86 points) fell 5-3 to the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Ottawa Senators (86 points) lost 4-2 to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Islanders' next game is critical as they host the Penguins at UBS Arena on Monday night, the first of a back-to-back. They travel to Buffalo to face the Sabres on Tuesday.
COVERS INTEL:
